Facebook Twitter (X) Instagram Somali Magazine - People's Magazine
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met with Somalia’s Minister of Ports and Marine Transport, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, on Thursday in Ankara. The meeting, held behind closed doors, highlights the growing partnership between the two countries, particularly in the maritime and energy sectors.
Earlier in the same week, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also held discussions with Minister Nur. While official details were not made public, sources suggest that both meetings focused on expanding cooperation in building Somalia’s maritime infrastructure and exploring offshore energy opportunities.
These talks come at a time when Turkey and Somalia are deepening their ties in maritime activities. One major development is the deployment of Turkey’s seismic exploration vessel, Oruc Reis, to Somali waters. This marks a significant step in energy collaboration between the two countries.
The Oruc Reis, a Turkish-built ship, recently completed its first intercontinental mission by conducting a large-scale seismic survey in Somalia’s offshore territory. The survey, which began on October 25, 2024, covered three exploration blocks across 4,464 square kilometers. Its goal was to map the area’s underwater resources and evaluate the potential for oil and gas reserves.
Turkey’s Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources announced that the data gathered from the survey will be analyzed in Ankara. If results show strong potential, it could lead to future drilling projects, opening a new chapter for Somalia’s energy industry.
This partnership could be a game-changer for Somalia. The country has long struggled to tap into its natural resources due to political instability and lack of investment. With Turkey’s help, Somalia hopes to develop its “blue economy,” which refers to sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth and job creation.
For Turkey, the collaboration fits into its broader strategy of expanding influence in the Horn of Africa. By supporting Somalia’s development, especially in sectors like energy and infrastructure, Turkey strengthens its diplomatic and economic presence in the region.
The growing relationship between the two nations is not new. Over the past decade, Turkey has built strong ties with Somalia through humanitarian aid, trade, education, and military training. But this recent focus on energy and maritime cooperation signals a shift toward long-term investment and strategic development.
Somalia’s Minister Nur has been playing a key role in building these ties. His recent visit to Turkey and meetings with top Turkish officials show that both sides are committed to pushing this agenda forward.
If successful, the energy partnership could bring major benefits to both countries. Somalia stands to gain much-needed investment, energy security, and jobs for its citizens. Turkey, on the other hand, could secure access to new energy sources and boost its influence in East Africa.
The talks and the Oruc Reis mission mark an important step toward achieving these goals. While it’s still early in the process, the developments reflect a strong willingness from both sides to work together on ambitious projects.
In the coming months, attention will turn to the data analysis in Ankara. If seismic findings prove promising, it could lead to further exploration, drilling activities, and possibly the start of energy production in Somali waters.
As Somalia looks to rebuild and modernize its economy, partnerships like this one with Turkey could play a vital role in shaping a more prosperous and stable future.